Name: Air Fryer Banana Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tsps garlic powder; ½ tsp ground black pepper; 2 tsps sea salt; 1 lb fresh banana peppers or sweet peppers, sliced and seeds removed; olive oil spray

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a snack that’s crunchy, golden, and absolutely bursting with flavor, Air Fryer Banana Peppers are about to become your new obsession. These beauties are lightly dusted with a zesty garlic and pepper coating, then crisped to perfection in the air fryer—no heavy breading or deep frying required. The bright, tangy sweetness of banana peppers shines through, making every bite a little crunchy, a little savory, and completely addictive. Whether you serve them as part of a game day spread, a barbecue snack, or a late-night nibble, Air Fryer Banana Peppers always disappear fast!

Air Fryer Banana Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’re only a handful of ingredients away from a crunchy, flavor-packed appetizer. Each addition brings something special: the flour makes the perfect crisp coating, the spices wake up the peppers, and a spritz of olive oil helps things turn beautifully golden in the air fryer. Here’s what to gather:

All-purpose flour: This is the crisping hero, creating the light exterior every good air fryer snack needs.
Garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlicky kick you’ll taste in every bite without overwhelming the peppers.
Ground black pepper: Brings gentle heat and a little complexity to balance the mild peppers.
Sea salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors in the coating and the peppers themselves.
Fresh banana peppers or sweet peppers: These are the stars—mild, sweet, and perfect for snacking.
Olive oil spray: Just a light mist for a gorgeous golden finish and that unbeatable crunch!

How to Make Air Fryer Banana Peppers

Step 1: Mix the Seasoned Coating

Start by grabbing a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add your all-purpose flour, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and sea salt. Give everything a good whisk or stir to combine—this ensures every slice of banana pepper will sparkle with an even layer of flavor. The aroma alone will get your appetite going!

Step 2: Prep Those Peppers

Wash your banana peppers well, then slice them into thin rings or strips. Don’t forget to remove all the seeds (unless you want a touch more spice). Pat them dry with a towel so the coating sticks perfectly—this little step really boosts the crisp factor.

Step 3: Coat the Banana Peppers

Toss your pepper slices in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. For the crunchiest results, let the dredged peppers sit for about 5 minutes. This waiting period lets the flour hydrate a bit and stick well, which means a thicker, crunchier coating after air frying!

Step 4: Preheat and Arrange in the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it preheat for a few minutes. Arrange your coated banana peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket—crowding will lead to soggy pieces, so if you need to, cook in batches. Lightly spray the tops and bottoms of the peppers with olive oil to get that golden crunch.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Let the air fryer work its magic for about 8 minutes. Keep an eye on your Air Fryer Banana Peppers; you want them deeply golden and crispy, not burnt. Every model is a bit different, so check around the 7-minute mark. The aroma will drive you wild!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

When they’re done, move the peppers to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to wick away excess oil. Let them cool for 5 minutes—this sets the crunch and makes them easier to pick up. Pile them high on your favorite platter and pair with a creamy dip like ranch. Now, try not to eat half before anyone else gets to the table!

How to Serve Air Fryer Banana Peppers

Garnishes

When serving Air Fryer Banana Peppers, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives brings a wonderful pop of color and fresh flavor. You can also finish them with a light dusting of parmesan cheese or a quick hit of lemon zest for something totally unexpected. These simple touches elevate your platter from snack to showstopper.

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Banana Peppers with crunchy veggie sticks, crispy potato wedges, or a crisp coleslaw. They’re a natural fit alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or any barbecue fare. If you’re setting out a full appetizer spread, they pair beautifully with other fried or air-fried veggies and plenty of dipping sauces—think honey mustard, blue cheese, or sriracha mayo.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scattering Air Fryer Banana Peppers over a big salad for a crispy, tangy topping, or use them to jazz up tacos and sandwiches. For a crowd, pile them into a “snack board” with charcuterie, cheese, and nuts. You can even stuff them into pita pockets with grilled meats for a super fun lunch. Let your imagination play!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing. Place your Air Fryer Banana Peppers in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep their best texture for up to 3 days in the refrigerator without getting soggy.

Freezing

To freeze Air Fryer Banana Peppers, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid—this prevents sticking. Transfer the frozen peppers to a freezer-safe bag or container, and squeeze out excess air. They can be frozen for up to a month. Just note: they might lose a little crispness after thawing, but they’ll still be tasty as a snack or salad topping.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, pop the chilled or thawed Air Fryer Banana Peppers back into the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 4 minutes. This will help restore most of the crunch and keep them tasting freshly made. Avoid microwaving, which can lead to a soggy bite.

FAQs

Can I use jarred banana peppers instead of fresh?

Stick with fresh banana peppers if you can, as jarred ones are already pickled and too soft to hold up in the air fryer. Fresh peppers will stay crisp and give you that irresistible bite Air Fryer Banana Peppers are known for.

What kind of dipping sauce is best?

Classic ranch is a crowd favorite, but Air Fryer Banana Peppers also shine with blue cheese, garlic aioli, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo. Mix and match to find your family’s favorite!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap in a good 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and make sure your other seasonings are gluten-free. The result is just as crispy and delicious.

Why isn’t my coating sticking to the peppers?

If the peppers are too wet, the flour won’t adhere well. Dry them thoroughly before dredging, and let the coated pieces sit for a few minutes to help the flour bond before air frying.

Can I try other peppers in this recipe?

Definitely! Sweet mini peppers and even mild jalapeños work well. You might need to adjust the air frying time a little for thicker peppers, but the method is the same—enjoy experimenting!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for an irresistibly crunchy, crowd-pleasing snack, you have to give Air Fryer Banana Peppers a whirl. They’re easy, fast, and downright fun to make—perfect for anyone who loves a little extra zip on their appetizer table. Grab some peppers and fire up your air fryer—your next favorite snack is just minutes away!

Air Fryer Banana Peppers Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Air Fryer Banana Peppers make for a delicious and crunchy appetizer or snack. The peppers are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and air fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy outside with a tender and flavorful inside. They are great for parties or as a fun twist on a traditional appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsps garlic powder
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 tsps sea salt
1 lb fresh banana peppers or sweet peppers, sliced and seeds removed
olive oil spray

Instructions

Prepare the Seasoned Flour: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and sea salt.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
Coat the Peppers: Dip the banana peppers into the seasoned flour, allowing them to sit for 5 minutes to ensure a thick flour coating.
Air Fry: Place the coated banana peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray olive oil over the peppers on both sides.
Cook: Air fry the banana peppers for about 8 minutes or until golden brown.
Drain and Serve: Transfer the fried peppers to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: American